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AU security chief warns 'terrorism expanding' in Sahel

Monday February 11 2019

This photo, taken on November 5, 2017 in the Malian desert, shows soldiers of the Malian Forces patrolling during the 'Hawbi' joint tactical coordination operation with France's Barkhane mission. PHOTO | ECPAD | AFP

In Summary

The Islamist revolt in the Sahel took off after chaos engulfed Libya in 2011. Jihadist attacks erupted in northern Mali as Boko Haram arose in northern Nigeria.

Chergui's comments echoed those of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who took over as AU chair on Sunday with a call to tackle the root causes of extremism.

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Mr Chergui said the combination of extremist attacks, inter-ethnic conflict and clashes between pastoral and agricultural communities was leading to an "unprecedented high level of violence."

He said that AU member states had agreed to address the scourge of extremism in a more comprehensive manner.

This meant not only through "military and security responses, but also other means in terms of governance, in making sure that no one is left on the road in terms of development, in terms of political engagement, in terms of justice," he said.

He highlighted youth unemployment as a key challenge.

His comments echoed those of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who took over as AU chair on Sunday with a call to tackle the root causes of extremism.

FINANCING

Mr Chergui expressed disappointment in difficulties faced to finance the G5 Sahel force, a French-backed 5,000-man joint mission among the five nations on the front line: Burkina Faso, Mali, Mauritania, Niger and Chad.

The Islamist revolt in the Sahel took off after chaos engulfed Libya in 2011. Jihadist attacks erupted in northern Mali as Boko Haram arose in northern Nigeria.

The French army largely flushed jihadists from Mali, but they have gained ground in neighbouring Burkina Faso and Niger, while Chad is battling unrest on its borders.

Lack of funding and training, as well as poor equipment, have hobbled the G5 Sahel initiative.